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How can we know, if at all, that our behavior is ethical? Main Entry: ethics Pronunciation: 'e-thik Function: noun Etymology: Middle English ethik, from Middle French ethique, from Latin ethice, from Greek EthikE, from Ethikos Date: 14th century 1 plural but singular or plural in construction : the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation 2a : a set of moral principles or values b : a theory or system of moral values c plural but singular or plural in construction : the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group d : a guiding philosophy The earliest record of ethics as a discussed subject dates back to ancient Greeks, as can be seen from the etymology of “ethics” – it originates from greek word Ethikos. Great philosophers, such as Aristotle, have wondered at the subject of “good and bad” and what sets the guidelines. When a child is first borne into the world, the newborn mind is as clean as white slate. The child does not know how to behave right away, and only with time the child will learn and navigate the abstract realm of ethics. Massad Ayoob (384BC - 322BC) once said: “You're born with intelligence, but not with ethics “. Massad